Silver Lining in Arizona State’s Donation Dip

ABC News On Campus reporter Lindsey Reiser blogs:

Universities across the nation have been hit hard by the recession. So hard, that Giving USA, the annual report for philanthropy, says that donations to higher education declined by 5.5 percent last year.

Arizona State University, for example, has seen an overall decrease in the amount donated to the school.  According to the 2007-2008 fiscal report published by the ASU Foundation, the university received about $120.5 million in donations in 2008—up from $104 million in 2007.

But Judy Van Gorden, the foundation’s senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, said that although exact figures for this fiscal year were not yet available, she was concerned the donations would fall short.

“If the year ended today, our numbers would be close to reflecting that national trend,” Van Gorden said.  Still, she remains hopeful.

“We have a couple of things in the works that we’re valuing and that could make this a very extraordinary year for us,” she said. “Donors have been very supportive and are continuing to meet their commitments. So in that way, this year has been very, very good.”

According to Van Gorden, although the amount of money donated has decreased, the total number of donors has increased. She said ASU donors are enthusiastic about its programs and want to make sure the university has alternatives. 

“I think that ASU is known as a place that makes a difference in the world,” Van Gorden said. “And ASU is meeting the challenges that present themselves across the universe, so I think people are drawn to support those initiatives."

With ASU’s research initiatives in areas such as sustainability and health, Van Gorden said that corporations, foundations, and individuals are invested in the university's potential for making strides in those areas.

“I think that ASU is known as a place that makes a difference in the world,” Van Gorden said. Despite the setback in university donations at ASU, Van Gorden is confident the school is in position to grow as a major research institution.

“We have great expectations for the future of private support at ASU,” Van Gorden said.